Renowned Yoga Gear Now Available Direct to European Consumers at www.Manduka.com
Manduka Aims to Unite Global Yoga Community with Opening of Its First European Office—Making its Technical, Innovative and Purpose-driven Yoga Products Accessible to European Enthusiasts

LOS ANGELES, and VILVOORDE, Belgium, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Manduka, purveyor of high performance yoga gear and the #1 choice of yoga teachers worldwide, announced today its availability to European practitioners following the opening of its first European warehouse, located in Vilvoorde, Belgium in October. Providing yoga enthusiasts with convenient access to the company's family of high quality, environmentally friendly yoga products, Manduka's European expansion will support its global brand, driving forward the growing movement of yoga In Europe.

Available now direct to consumers in addition to yoga studios and specialty retailers throughout Europe, Manduka's full line of the highest quality yoga gear is now easily accessible to European practitioners, inspiring their daily yoga practice. Manduka hopes that its innovative, thoughtfully designed and consciously made gear will steer buyers away from waste-producing products while building a community based on sustainability. For Manduka, each detail, in every product is a conscious decision. From yoga bags constructed from recycled polyester fabrics and zippers made from recycled plastic bottles to its eKO line of yoga mats produced using biodegradable rubber sustainably harvested from rubber trees with no toxic glues. Designed to last a lifetime, the PRO Series mats—made in Germany--minimize impact on the environment and ensure years of superior practice and are the only mats on the market with a lifetime guarantee. Manduka's collection of yoga props are developed using materials including sustainable cork, natural unbleached cotton, and recycled wool fibers.

"We are extremely excited to be available for the first time direct to practitioners in the European market," said Manduka CEO, Sky Meltzer. "Our goal with the expansion is to unite the global Manduka community, uncovering and connecting our supporters in Europe and beyond. For years our customers abroad have been limited by access to Manduka products. Now, we are making our high quality, sustainable, innovative yoga gear more available to the rest of the world."

Overseen by Manduka's European business manager and yoga industry veteran, Bruno De Muynck, the new offices will provide European yoga teachers, studios and students with more affordable access to Manduka products without the obstacles of excessive shipping and import duties from their main headquarters in Los Angeles. Available for purchase in local retailers and online with easy Euro conversion, Manduka aims to spread its popularity as provider of the most innovative yoga products on the market to the millions of people practicing in Europe.

"Yoga was a practice embraced by Europeans long before it became popular in America," said Manduka European Manager, Bruno De Muynck. "However, there has been a void in the European market for a yoga gear company that provides top of the line, eco-conscious, one of a kind products. Manduka's presence here will help fill this void and give European yogis, new and old alike, access to practice transforming gear."

Manduka's mission to create purposeful designs that help improve the overall yoga experience has resulted in a line of mats, towels, bags, props, washes and accessories that remain unmatched in the marketplace.

Founded in 1997, Manduka was built on the simple idea that a better yoga mat can make a world of difference. Manduka strives to support and enrich the yoga community by providing premium quality mats and products while respecting employees, customers, materials, and the environment. Created for and by yoga enthusiasts, Manduka's technical and purpose-driven product designs meet and often exceed the distinct needs of all practitioners. Today Manduka's products, which include yoga mats, towels, yoga straps, water bottles, and bags, are sold in more than 35 countries around the world. Not only focusing on superior design, Manduka also promotes their ethos of quality, thoughtfulness and sustainability in all realms of their business.